BBC - Manchester - Sport - 1979 FA Cup Final You are in: Manchester > Sport > Manchester United > 1979 FA Cup Final It's McIlroy.. It's STILL McIlroy! 1979 FA Cup Final Wembley, 1979: Arsenal are cruising to a 2-0 win. Then, with four minutes left, Manchester United turned up. What followed was the most dramatic finale in FA Cup history. Here are some of your memories of that day > FA Cup Final 1979 Result: Arsenal 3-2 Man United Venue: Wembley Scorers: Arsenal - Talbot 12; Stapleton 43; Sunderland 89 Man Utd - McQueen 86; McIlroy 88 HT: 2-0 Att: 100,000 Manchester United fans who had travelled to Wembley in '79 watched their side outplayed by Arsenal - and more specifically Liam Brady - for 85 minutes. Brady had set up goals for Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton to give the Gunners a two goal lead by half time and with five minutes to go it looked hopeless for the Reds...

2-0 Then, with five minutes to go, Gordon McQueen bundled home a late consolation before Sammy McIlroy ended a mazy run to turn the game on its head... 2-2 Alan Sunderland scores the winner! Then in the dying seconds, Brady capped a virtuoso performance by flying down the left wing and crossing to the far post. He found Alan Sunderland, who slid in the winner to cap the most remarkable finish ever seen in an FA Cup final... 3-2 to Arsenal. Victory to the Gunners.. and every United fan in the land was left stunned. We asked for your memories of that day. Here are some the best! Your memories Rob Daniel: My first F.A. cup final, the build up, the crowd the game, everything lived up to my expectations. Although over the years I began to realise what a dump Wembley had become. Arsenal out played united until those last few minutes. I remember Sammy Mcs run, it seemed to last forever and finally the ball rolled over the line. Queue the celebrations, it went wild in the united end.

I ended up on the floor with many others and as I recovered and got back on my feet, there it was running towards us the biggest perm in football had just scored the winner for Arsenal. I didn't see the goal just Alan Sunderland running down the pitch celebrating. Heartbreaking but I always remember the united fans singing right to the end and after the final whistle. That memory will always stay with me. Ian Short from Stockton-on-Tees: I remember the game very well, it was my first Wembley Final (besides the England World Cup final which I attended on my own as a 12 year old, but that's another story!) and I only knew I was going the day before the match. The reason for that was that a colleague at work was the nephew of a Wembley Steward and apparently after the dog meeting on the Thursday night the Stewards held a ballot for a final ticket and my colleagues uncle won. We made all the travel arrangements on the Friday and I travelled down on the day of the game by train. I got a bus to where the steward lived and duly picked up my ticket.

His wife said he had left for the game but he had left me a message to say that if I made my way to the Royal Box restaurant after the game he would be on the door and he would let me in. What a thrill my first FA cup final with United and I would be mixing with all the celebrities after the game. I put the ticket into a plastic bag and then taped it to my chest where it stayed until I reached the turnstiles. The ticket couldn't have been better, it was right behind the goal at the United end. Then it all started to go wrong, Arsenal scored and then scored again and at that point we never looked like scoring. Big Gordon popped up and we cheered, more in hope than conviction but up strode "Super Sam" and we had equalised. We went berserk! We were still jumping up and down and hugging prefect strangers as if they were our long lost family and suddenly there was a roar from the other end. What the hell were they shouting about we had just scored! But to our dismay in all our celebrating we had missed the fact that Arsenal had gone down the other end and scored the winner....gutted!

At the final whistle I thought about my place in the Royal Box restaurant but I just couldn't face it I was just completely devasted. I made my way straight back to Kings Cross and got the first train home. Dave Bloor: This game to me was one of the most memorable football matches I have ever been to. After being exhilarated by watching United knocking out Liverpool in the semi thanks to Jimmy Greenhoffs header at Goodison this was my first trip to Wembley. I even made a banner. It read Gordon McQueen, Jordan is King, United are Ace, Arsenal are Jokers. We left Manchester early driving to Stanmore where we got the tube in to Wembley. My best mate and me had saved tokens and got standing tickets. His brother who had a seat and his Dad who would you believe got a ticket at face value outside the ground but left the game ten minutes early thinking Arsenal had won 2-0. This was actually the score at half-time and me and my mate were so disconsolate we just sat with our head in our hands on the gig Wembley steps.I remember Brian Talbot and Liam Brady running midfield.

I dont remember much about the rest of the game up to Gordon Mcqueen I think scoring with about 5 minutes to go.We all thought it was just a consolation until Sammy Mcilroy seemed to beat the whole Arsenal team 3 times before rolling the ball into the net.On the TV replays I think Sammy only beat probably two men but to me at the time he seemed to beat everybody before the ball tantalisingly fell into the corner of the net.It was the most wonderful moment I have ever felt watching football. Followed 30 seconds later by the worst moment ever. All I remember is after turning round from celebrating Uniteds equaliser thinking why are the Arsenal fans jumping up and down at the other end.It dawned they had gone and scored another. After the game as a fifteen year old I was that consumed by the tragedy I couldent go to the toilet for 4 hours. I could talk about my emotions from this game for hours and have actually described this game on a public speaking course when asked to describe something very meaningful in my life.It may only have been a game of football but never in my whole life I dont think I have been so elated then so dissappointed in such a short space of time.

Dave Bradshaw from Seaford: I was nine years old, approaching ten at the time. I couldn't really remember the 1977 win over Liverpool, so this was the first FA Cup run to Wembley that I had followed. I wore my red admiral kit for the whole day and was glued to the TV throughout. I cried my eyes out with tears of joy when Sammy Mac scored the equaliser and then balled my eyes out in despair when Sunderland scored the winner. After the match I went out to play football over the park, and my friend Grant was proudly wearing his Arsenal kit. Grant was from the private estate and had everything - Adidas Beckenbauer boots, Subbuteo and Scaletrix. I was from the council estate with market football boots and my cousins hand me down bike. Lets just say that Grant went home with a few bruises on his legs that night - if only Lou Macari had kicked Liam Brady as much, he may not have had such a big influence on the match!!!!! Terry Haven: I remember the 79 final just like yesterday. how gut wrenching one min tears next 2 minutes great joy next tears...I still hate EFFING arse nill!

Raymond Leong from Singapore: During those days, over here in Singapore, we did get much live coverage of soccer matches. As an ardant fan of Manchester United since 1975, the only way of wach them live is to support them till we reached a Cup final, then we get to see it Live". I manage to catch 3 live finals featuring United, the 1976,1977 and 1979. United didn't have much luck in the league so the FA Cup was a good trophy for us to put one over our Liverpool supporters. I remember well, as I was night here when the final was played. We did well 2 seasons ago by beating Liverpool and the new manager Dave Sexton was remarkable in creating a stable United side. Much of the side was retain from the last final and United had two good signings in Gordon McQueen and Joe Jordon from Leeds. We were really expected them to do well.

2 down with 5 mins to go, my mates whom were watching with me had already begun their cat calls and my good friend till today, is an Arsenal supporter, as begining to rub his hands in anticipation of what would be a free supper after the match as I would have lost the bet. I could see his face change dramatically and instantly when United equalised. I was estatic. I was jumping up and down like any 17 year old, and when it brought me down to earth when Liam Brady crossed and Keeper Alan Bailey misjuged the flight of the ball and flew over his head and there was the sickening sight of Alan Sunderland sidefooting the ball into the net. It was all so dejecting having some so close and if Sunderland's goal hadn't come, I sure we would have won it in extra time. This time around, I am keeping my fingers crossed for United to win the toss and have the right to wear the "home" jersey. This would be our Cup season again! Joanne Crane: I'd bought myself a new scarf to wave at the telly watching the match.

We'd just equalised.....I can still hear the commentary ("It's McIlroy....it's STILL McIlroy!) and my Dad nearly broke his armchair when he leapt up and landed back down with a thud. My mum came running in from the kitchen to see what the commotion was and said "What if Arsenal score now?"......which they did. "THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS IF ARSENAL SCORE NOW!" my Dad shouted. We'd lost after making a miraculous recovery.....and I've hated Arsenal ever since... especially Alan Sunderland. I still have the scarf though! John Kelsall from Warrington: I was at that final as a 14 year old boy, taken by my older brother and his mates. I have five main memories: 1. I remember being in a pub in London and my brother's friends saying: "Hey, it's great in here, why don't we stay in here and watch the game rather than mess about trying to get to Wembley". My heart sank, I saw my brother look at me and he said, "No, come on we've got to go". It was such a relief.

I think that if I hadn't been there then they would have stayed in the pub. 2. I remember it being so hot inside the ground (I was high up behind the goal), that sweat was literally dripping off the bottom of my trousers. 3. I clearly remember Sammy McIlroy scoring as it was in front of the end we were at. The goal appeared in slow-motion to me – it felt like he was forever going past players – until he finally slotted the ball into the net. The end of the ground we were in absolutely erupted – beer went up in the air and the crowd surged forward, and everyonestarted hugging each other as we knew we were then going to go on and win the cup. 4. And then the most vivid memory of all – seeing Arsenal score at the other end – and nobody around me seemed to know about it except me as everybody was still celebrating the equalizing goal. I had to grab my brother and tell him, and gradually our end of the ground stopped jumping around. It was like a Mexican wave but in reverse. You could see the jumping slowly stop like a wave as people found out the terrible news. 5.

And finally I remember being so thirsty whilst we waited in a long queue for a tube train to take us away from Wembley and back to our B&B. People were selling tins of Coke to the queue for 50p (an extortionate amount of money for those times) and we bought one in desperation and it was really, really warm and horrible – which just rounded off our day. The day had started so exciting and seemed to me to end in so much sorrow. Peter Daubney: The 1979 FA cup final still brings tears to my eyes all these years later. I was watching TV as a 10 year old with my family in the same room as I will watch this years final. The settee is in exactly the same place as it was then. Having watched Arsenal dominate for much of the match I shall never forget the goals from first Gordon McQueen and the great Sammy Mcilroy with a mazy dribble and the excited John Motson on the BBC commentary saying its still Sammy Mcilroy.

Having recovered to 2-2 I was crying my eyes out with joy and I had to go out into the kitchen to get a tea towel to dry my eyes only to return to the sitting room to see the ball get passed down the left wing, crossed and then put in by Alan Sunderland. I can barely type his name. The tears of joy turned to despair and I still had the tea towel in my hand so I used it again. Utter devastation. When Giggsy scored that fantastic goal in the semi 20 years later I felt revenge was sweet. Lets hope the boys can eclipse the awful memeories of 79 by beating the Arsenal this year. John Parry: I attended the final along with my father, we left from Manchester Piccadilly on the sadly missed "Football special" along with thousands of other reds. I remember it being a glorious sunny day and standing behind the goal which United were attacking in the second half. I also remember roaring on United after the first goal being scored, and being delirious when Sammy equalises watching my farther clinging onto the bag he had taken as a big gap appeared in the standing crowd, thinking Arsenal are dead on there feet and we would win the game in extra time!

When I heard someone shout OH KNOW at which time a turned towards the pitch again to see Alan Sunderland running away from UNITED's goal with his arm raised. I hadn't even know the game had kick off again! as I was still celebrating the equaliser. last updated: 13/05/05 Arsenal set to play in record 19th FA Cup final when they face Aston Villa at Wembley - PICTURE SPECIAL | Daily Mail Online Arsenal set to play in record 19th FA Cup final when they face Aston Villa at Wembley - PICTURE SPECIAL Arsenal to overtake Manchester United's record of 18 FA Cup final appearances Gunners chasing a record 12th FA Cup triumph, one more than United on 11 Arsene Wenger chasing his sixth FA Cup victory as a manager against Aston Villa comments Arsenal are preparing for a record 19th FA Cup final when they take to hallowed turf at Wembley to play Aston Villa on Saturday. The Gunners will overtake Manchester United's record of 18 appearances, and could potentially also clinch their 12th victory in the competition.

Here, Sportsmail takes a look at every appearance Arsenal have made in the final of the oldest cup competition in the world so far... 1927: Cardiff 1-0 ARSENAL The final that was remembered for the first time the famous Cup was let out of England. Arsenal goalkeeper Dan Lewis' howler allowed Hughie Ferguson to score a 74th-minute winner for Cardiff. Arsenal XI: Lewis, Parker, Kennedy, Baker, Butler, John, Hulme, Buchan, Brain, Blyth, Hoar Manager: Herbert Chapman Cardiff City goalkeeper Tom Farquharson punches clear from Arsenal's Charles Buchan. Also pictured (L-R) Len Davies, Tommy Watson, Billy Hardy, Tom Sloane, James Nelson and Fred Keenor all of Cardiff City. The Bluebirds beat Arsenal 1-0 on April 23, 1927. 1930: ARSENAL 2-0 Huddersfield This time Arsenal did secure their first FA Cup victory, as goals from Alex James and Jack Lambert gave the Gunners victory.

Arsenal XI: Preedy, Parker, Hapgood, Baker, Seddon, John, Hulme, Jack, Lambert, James, Bastin Manager: Herbert Chapman Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Hugh Turner (centre) is beaten by Arsenal's first goal, scored by Alex James (not in pic) during the 1930 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 1930 Arsenal's FA Cup winning side of 1930: (back row, l-r) Alf Baker, Jack Lambert, Charlie Preedy, Bill Seddon, Eddie Hapgood, Bob John; (middle row, l-r) David Jack, Tom Parker, Alex James; (front row, l-r) Joe Hulme, Cliff Bastin RELATED ARTICLES Share 1932: Newcastle 2-1 ARSENAL Chapman's side were back at Wembley two seasons later, and seemed on course for victory as Bob John gave them a 15th-minute lead. But Jack Allen then netted twice for Newcastle to deny Arsenal a second Cup win.

Arsenal XI: Moss, Parker, Hapgood, Jones, Roberts, Male, Hulme, Jack, Lambert, Bastin, John Manager: Herbert Chapman Arsenal goalkeeper Frank Moss (right) saves as team-mate Tom Parker (second right) and Newcastle United's Harry McMenemy (second left) look on. Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley on April 23, 1932 1936: ARSENAL 1-0 Sheffield United 1-0 to the Arsenal. Ted Drake's 74th-minute winner was enough for the Gunners to lift their second FA Cup in their first trip to the final without Chapman in charge.

Arsenal XI: Wilson, Male, Hapgood, Crayston, Roberts, Copping, Hulme, Bowden, Drake, James, Bastin Manager: George Allison Arsenal captain Alex James shows off the FA Cup as he is held up by his team-mates: (L-R) Cliff Bastin, manager George Allison, Ray Bowden, Herbie Roberts, George Male, James, Eddie Hapgood, Joe Hulme, after they beat Sheffield United at Wembley on April 25, 1936 1950: ARSENAL 2-0 Liverpool Reg Lewis scored twice as the Gunners cruised to victory, while the multi-talented Denis Compton would go from Arsenal to the Ashes, touring Australia that winter as England were hammered 4-1.

Arsenal XI: Swindin, Scott, Barnes, Forbes, Leslie Compton, Mercer, Cox, Logie, Goring, Lewis, Denis Compton Manager: Tom Whittaker Liverpool's goalkeeper Cyril Sidlow clears the ball during an Arsenal attack, as the Gunners won 2-0 at Wembley on April 29, 1950 1952: Newcastle 1-0 ARSENAL 20 years after their defeat to Newcastle in 1932, Arsenal were again beaten by the Magpies in the FA Cup final, as Chilean forward George Robledo bagged an 84th-minute winner. Arsenal XI: Swindin, Barnes, Smith, Forbes, Daniel, Mercer, Cox, Logie, Holton, Lishman, Roper Manager: Tom Whittaker Arsenal goalkeeper George Swindin (second eftl) covers his near post as the ball sails over the bar, watched by Newcastle United's Bobby Mitchell (right).

The Gunners were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle at Wembley Stadium on May 3, 1952 1971: ARSENAL 2-1 Liverpool Arsenal XI: Wilson, Rice, McNab, Storey (Kelly 64'), McLintock, Simpson, Armstrong, Graham, Radford, Kennedy, George Manager: Bertie Mee Arsenal met Liverpool in an FA Cup final for the second time in 1971, and it was far more dramatic than the last. The deadlock was finally broken by Liverpool's Steve Heighway in extra-time, before substitute Eddie Kelly leveled and Charlie George netted an 111th-minute winner for the Gunners. Arsenal's Eddie Kelly (second right) scores the equaliser in extra-time before the Gunners went on to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on May 8, 1971 1972: Leeds 1-0 ARSENAL A year later, Arsenal were back at Wembley, but this time it ended in defeat as Allan Clarke scored the only goal for Leeds in a 1-0 victory.

Arsenal XI: Barnett, Rice, McNab, Story, McLintock, Simpson, Armstrong, Ball, George, Radford (Kennedy 73'), Graham Manager: Bertie Mee Arsenal goalkeeper Geoff Barnett (wearing green) tries to claim the ball during the FA Cup final on May 6, 1972. Leeds won 1-0. 1978: Ipswich 1-0 ARSENAL Arsenal suffered at the hands of Ipswich Town's first and, so far, only FA Cup triumph under Bobby Robson in 1978. Roger Osborne netted the only goal for the Tractor Boys in the 77th minute. Arsenal XI: Jennings, Rice, Nelson, Price, O'Leary, Young, Brady (Rix 66'), Sunderland, Macdonald, Stapleton, Hudson Manager: Terry Neill Alan Hudson of Arsenal (right) plays the ball past Ipswich Town's Clive Woods during the 1978 FA Cup final on May 6. Ipswich won 1-0. 1979: ARSENAL 3-2 Manchester United Perhaps the most famous Cup final of them all.

Arsenal were 2-0 up and cruising at half-time thanks to goals from Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton. But Gordon McQueen struck back for Manchester United in the 86th minute before Sammy McIlroy leveled two minutes later to seemingly send the game into extra-time. But Alan Sunderland had other ideas, bagging the winner for the Gunners in the 89th minute. Arsenal XI: Jennings, Rice, Nelson, Talbot, O'Leary, Young, Brady, Sunderland, Stapleton, Price (Walford 83'), Rix Manager: Terry Neill Alan Sunderland (right) celebrates scoring the winner past goalkeeper Gary Bailey as Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-2 in the FA Cup final on May 12, 1979 The Arsenal team celebrate with the FA Cup (back row L-R)) Steve Walford, David Price, Pat Jennings, Willie Young, Sunderland, David O'Leary. (front row L-R): Liam Brady, Pat Rice, Sammy Nelson, Brian Talbot, Frank Stapleton and Graham Rix 1980: West Ham 1-0 ARSENAL For the third time in as many years, Arsenal were in the FA Cup final.

Unfortunately for them, however, it was their second defeat in three. Trevor Brooking netted early as West Ham secured their third, and most recent, major trophy. Arsenal XI: Jennings, Rice, Devine (Nelson 61'), Talbot, O'Leary, Young, Brady, Sunderland, Stapleton, Price, Rix Manager: Terry Neill West Ham United's Trevor Brooking (right) celebrates victory with team-mate Billy Bonds after beating Arsenal 1-0 on May 10, 1980 1993: ARSENAL 1-1 Sheff Wed; ARSENAL 2-1 Sheff Wed (replay) For the first time in their history, Arsenal needed a replay to decide their FA Cup final after a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. The two sides met again five days later at Wembley and extra-time was needed again after Owls winger Chris Waddle had cancelled out Ian Wright's early strike. The game seemed destined for penalties before Andy Linighan netted the winner in the 119th minute of action.

Arsenal XI: Seaman, Dixon, Linighan, Adams, Winterburn, Merson, Davis, Jensen, Parlour (Smith 66'), Campbell, Wright (O'Leary 90') Arsenal XI (replay): Seaman, Dixon, Linighan, Adams, Winterburn, Davis, Jensen, Merson, Campbell, Wright (O'Leary 81'), Smith Manager: George Graham Arsenal's Andy Linighan (out of picture) heads the winning goal past Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Woods (third l) in the last minute of extra time as the Gunners won 2-1 in the FA Cup final replay on May 20, 1993 Arsenal left back Nigel Winterburn lifts the FA Cup alongside team-mate Paul Davis after their victory over Sheffield Wednesday 1998: ARSENAL 2-0 Newcastle After two defeats in two FA Cup finals to Newcastle, Arsenal finally got their revenge with a comfortable victory in 1998 thanks to goals from Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka.

Arsenal XI: Seaman, Dixon, Adams, Keown, Winterburn, Vieira, Petit, Parlour, Overmars, Wreh (Platt 62'), Anelka Manager: Arsene Wenger Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka makes it 2-0 past Newcastle's Shay Given during the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 16, 1998 2001: ARSENAL 1-2 Liverpool The first final to be held outside of England ended in a late defeat for Arsenal thanks to Michael Owen. Freddie Ljungberg put Arsenal in front with just under 20 minutes left on the clock, before Liverpool striker Owen strike twice in the last seven minutes to turn the game on its head.

Arsenal XI: Seaman, Dixon (Bergkamp 90'), Keown, Adams, Cole, Ljungberg (Kanu 85'), Grimandi, Vieira, Pires, Wiltord (Parlour 76'), Henry Manager: Arsene Wenger Liverpool striker Michael Owen (left) celebrates scoring twice as Arsenal were beaten 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium on May 12, 2001 2002: ARSENAL 2-0 Chelsea Ray Parlour's 70th-minute belter gave Arsenal the lead before Ljungberg became the first player in 40 years to score in back-to-back finals.

Arsenal XI: Seaman, Lauren, Campbell, Adams, Cole, Wiltord (Keown 89'), Parlour, Vieira, Ljungberg, Bergkamp (Edu 72'), Henry (Kanu 81') Manager: Arsene Wenger Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg (right) celebrates with team-mate Thierry Henry after scoring the second goal in their 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the 2002 FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium on May 4, 2002 Ljungberg (centre) sprays champagne as he celebrates winning the 2002 FA Cup with his Arsenal team-mates 2003: ARSENAL 1-0 Southampton Arsenal secured back-to-back FA Cup triumphs thanks to Robert Pires' 38th-minute strike against Southampton at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Arsenal XI: Seaman, Lauren, Keown, Luzhny, Cole, Pires, Parlour, Silva, Ljungberg, Bergkamp (Wiltord 77'), Henry Manager: Arsene Wenger Robert Pires peels away after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory for Arsenal over Southampton in the 2003 FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium on May 17, 2003 Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman (left) lifts the trophy with Patrick Vieira after their triumph 2005: ARSENAL 0-0 Manchester United (Arsenal win 5-4 on pens) Arsenal were dominated for most of the 120 minutes by Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United side, but a Paul Scholes miss in the shootout cost the Red Devils dear as the Gunners netted all five of their penalties to win.

Arsenal XI: Lehmann, Lauren, Toure, Senderos, Cole, Fabregas (Van Persie 86'), Vieira, Silva, Pires (Edu 105'), Reyes, Bergkamp (Ljungberg 65') Manager: Arsene Wenger Arsenal captain Vieira scores the winning penalty past Roy Carroll in a 5-4 shootout victory over Manchester United following a goalless draw during the 2005 FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium on May 21, 2005 Captain Vieira lifts the FA Cup as he celebrates with his Arsenal team-mates following their victory over Manchester United 2014: ARSENAL 3-2 Hull City In pursuit of a first trophy since their FA Cup success in 2005, Wenger's side were 2-0 down within ten minutes thanks to goals from Hull's James Chester and Curtis Davies. Santi Cazorla then struck a superb free-kick to pull one back, before Laurent Koscielny took the game to extra-time. Aaron Ramsey then struck after 109 minutes to give the Gunners a much-needed victory.

Arsenal XI: Fabianski, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla (Wilshere 106'), Ozil (Rosicky 106'), Podolski (Sanogo 61'), Giroud Manager: Arsene Wenger Match-winner Aaron Ramsey is hugged by team-mate Mikel Arteta after netting in extra-time against Hull in the 2014 FA Cup final Arsenal players celebrate after beating Hull City 3-2 at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2014 2015: ARSENAL ?-? Aston Villa On Saturday, May 30 at Wembley Stadium, Arsenal will head out for a record 19th FA Cup final appearance, moving clear of Manchester United on 18. If they win it will be their 12th triumph overall, one more than United, and it would be Wenger's sixth win as manager - one better than Ferguson - and level with George Ramsay, who steered Aston Villa to six victories between 1887 and 1920.

Arsene Wenger (right) will be aiming for his sixth FA Cup victory as Arsenal manager on Saturday against Aston Villa 52 Arsenal v Manchester Utd F.A.Cup Final 1979 - YouTube 52 Arsenal v Manchester Utd F.A.Cup Final 1979 Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Apr 6, 2014 Number 52 from the channel 4 show 100 Greatest Sporting Moments,The 1979 FA Cup Final was a football match played on 12 May 1979 at Wembley Stadium. The match was contested by Arsenal and Manchester United. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest-ever finishes in an FA Cup final.[1][2] For over 85 minutes the game had been unremarkable, with Arsenal taking a 2–0 half time lead through goals from Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton.

In the 86th minute, however, Gordon McQueen scored following a set-piece, and two minutes later Sammy McIlroy dribbled past two Arsenal players to score a dramatic equaliser. With the game poised for extra time, United's celebrations proved short-lived, as Alan Sunderland scored a last-minute winner, making the final result Arsenal 3–2 Manchester United. This match is often referred to as the "Five-minute Final". Category 20 Greatest Arsenal Games of All Time | Bleacher Report 20 Greatest Arsenal Games of All Time By Jerrad Peters , World Football Staff Writer May 12, 2014 Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow Michael Steele/Getty Images Comments Arsenal have played some memorable matches in their 128-year history. Whether in Europe, the English top flight, one of the cups or merely against archrivals Tottenham Hotspur in any competition, the Gunners have provided plenty of entertainment—and one or two last-gasp results—for their loyal supporters. The following slideshow will highlight 20 of the greatest matches Arsenal have ever contested. They’ve yielded trophies, major final appearances and, naturally, victories at home and away to Spurs. Let’s get to it.

Arsenal had been bounced out of the FA Cup by Tottenham Hotspur as recently as 1991, so when the 1993 semi-final was held at Wembley for the first time, they were desperate to enact revenge on their local rivals. They didn’t disappoint. With just 10 minutes remaining and both sides yet to find the back of the net, Tony Adams got on the end of Paul Merson’s free kick and headed what proved to be the winner past goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt. Tweet Arsenal became the first English outfit in a quarter-century to win at Juventus when Paul Vaessen secured a 1-0 win for the Gunners in Turin in April 1980. With the two sides having played to a score draw at Highbury, a 0-0 result would have taken the Bianconeri through to the final of the Cup Winners’ Cup. But after latching on to a Graham Rix pass, the 18-year-old Vaessen found the back of the net in the 88th minute to set up a showdown with Valencia. Tweet Arsenal’s biggest post-war win at Spurs came just two days before Christmas in 1978.

Alan Sunderland scored three of the Gunners’ five goals that day, and Frank Stapleton netted another. But it was Liam Brady’s superb, curling strike from the edge of the box shortly after the hour mark that stuck in the memory. Arsenal needed to win their last-ever match at Highbury in order to secure Champions League football for the 2006-07 season at the expense of Spurs. The occasion also happened to be talisman Thierry Henry ’s final game at the iconic ground. It ended up being a day to remember, as Henry scored a hat-trick against Wigan and the Gunners said goodbye to Highbury in style. Tweet In 2002, the FA Cup final was played before the end of the Premier League season. It was also staged at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, as the new Wembley was still under construction. With 20 minutes remaining, Ray Parlour opened the scoring against opponents Chelsea , and exactly 10 minutes later, Freddie Ljungberg put the finishing touches on a 2-0 win that would set up a historic double. Tweet Arsenal had already won the league when they won their last FA Cup at the old Wembley Stadium.

Marc Overmars opened the scoring against Newcastle midway through the first half, and with 21 minutes remaining, Nicolas Anelka doubled the scoreline and put the Gunners on course for a seventh FA Cup triumph. Tweet One of the 1986-87 League Cup semi-finals proved to be a three-match affair. It was also between Arsenal and Tottenham. Spurs, hosting the first leg, took a 1-0 aggregate lead to Highbury for the rematch thanks to Clive Allen’s goal. But at Arsenal’s ground, Viv Anderson and Niall Quinn both found the back of the net to set up a third and deciding match. A coin toss determined it would be played at White Hart Lane. No matter, as once again the Gunners fought back from behind. Ian Allinson netted an 82nd-minute equaliser, and in extra time, David Rocastle beat Ray Clemence to put his side through. Arsenal’s first European triumph came in the spring of 1970, when they overcame RSC Anderlecht over two legs to win the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. It was very much a come-from-behind thing.

With 15 minutes remaining in the first leg at Constant Vanden Stock, Anderlecht led 3-0 and looked certain to ease their way to the trophy. But Ray Kennedy’s crucial goal with eight minutes remaining gave the Gunners something to play for at Highbury, where Eddie Kelly, John Radford and Jon Samuels would all score for the hosts. Tweet Having already overcome Real Madrid and Juventus in the knockout stages of the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League, Arsenal were tied to Spanish outfit Villarreal for the semi-finals. Kolo Toure’s goal just prior to the interval at Highbury proved to be the only goal of the first leg, which meant the Yellow Submarine were in good position for the return match at El Madrigal. Gunners goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, however, had other ideas and made several important saves before denying Villarreal maestro Juan Roman Riquelme a last-minute penalty. Tweet Arsenal’s fifth FA Cup was secured May 12, 1979, following a riveting 90 minutes against Manchester United at Wembley.

Brian Talbot had given the Gunners the lead after just 12 minutes, and when Frank Stapleton doubled the advantage shortly before the interval, it looked as though the trophy was headed to North London. But two goals between the 86th and 88th minutes for United set up a tense finish that ended with a minute to play in normal time when Alan Sunderland struck a memorable winner. Tweet Arsenal opened up the knockout phase of their 2005-06 Champions League campaign with a difficult assignment away to Real Madrid. But thanks to Thierry Henry’s heroics, they became the first-ever English side to win at the Bernabeu and progressed to the next round after a scoreless draw at Highbury. Tweet One of Arsenal’s most famous wins in Europe came on the penultimate matchday of the 2003-04 Champions League group stage schedule when they thumped Inter Milan at the San Siro. Having lost 3-0 to the Nerazzurri at Highbury back in September, the Gunners were in desperate need of a win in order to secure a place in the last 16 of the competition.

And when Christian Vieri cancelled out Thierry Henry’s opener just after the half-hour mark, it looked as though they might come up short. But Freddie Ljungberg restored Arsenal’s lead shortly after the restart, and from there it was one-way traffic, as Henry, Edu and Robert Pires would all find the back of the net in a historic 5-1 win. Tweet Eighteen years had passed since Arsenal’s title win in 1971 when they next had a chance to finish atop the old First Division. But coming into the final day of the 1988-89 season, the Gunners needed to score two more clear goals than title rivals Liverpool, and their last mach just happened to come against the Reds—at Anfield. Shortly after the restart, with both sides having yet to score, Alan Smith beat Bruce Grobbelaar to put the guests in front. And then, late on, a delightful move that involved John Lukic, Lee Dixon, Smith and Michael Thomas resulted in the latter notching the title-winning goal. BBC SPORT | Football | FA Cup | Five-minute final: Where are they now? Five-minute final: Where are they now?

Arsenal celebrate their victory Enlarge Image Arsenal's 1979 victory over Manchester United has gone down in FA Cup folklore for a famous last five minutes. The Gunners were cruising at 2-0, but Gordon McQueen and Sammy McIlroy scored late goals to level, only for Alan Sunderland to hit an even later winner to make it 3-2. The 2005 final will feature an eclectic mix of nations in Cardiff compared to the Wembley match which was made up entirely of players from the four Home Nations and Ireland. But what happened to the 23 players involved in that Wembley match? BBC Sport gives you the lowdown. ARSENAL Pat Jennings: An FA Cup winner with Spurs in 1967, the Northern Ireland keeper moved across north London in 1977. He retired from Arsenal in 1985 after 237 games but won the last of his 119 international caps at the 1986 World Cup. The "gentle giant" is a part-time goalkeeping coach at Spurs.

SPORTING WINNERS - 1979 F1 world champion Windies - Cricket World Cup Pat Rice: The right-back was the sole survivor from the 1971 Double-winning team and this victory sealed his third honour in an Arsenal career that lasted 14 years before he joined Watford in 1981. Has been on the Highbury staff since 1984 and is now assistant to Arsene Wenger. Sammy Nelson: The Arsenal 1-2-3 was an all-Ulster triumvirate. The Wembley win came weeks after Nelson served a two-week suspension for baring his backside after scoring an equaliser in the league against Coventry. He left in 1981 and is now an insurance salesman in Brighton. Willie Young: The centre-half swapped white for red and joined from Spurs in 1977. He is best remembered in his four years at Arsenal for a cynical foul on Paul Allen in the 1980 FA Cup final against West Ham. He moved to Nottingham Forest in 1981 and still lives in the area running a pub.

David O'Leary: The Irishman made 772 Arsenal appearances between 1975 and 1993 - a club record. This was his first honour with his sixth and final one coming in his last match in Arsenal colours, the 1993 FA Cup final replay. He then played and managed at Leeds and is now Aston Villa boss. ENTERTAINMENT - 1979 Another Brick in the Wall (Pink Floyd) Brian Talbot: The midfielder beat Arsenal with Ipswich in the 1978 final before joining the Gunners and scored the opener 12 months on. He is still in the footballing frontline as a manager and recently joined Oxford after spells at West Brom, Aldershot, Rushden and Oldham. Liam Brady: A genius in a workmanlike team. The Irishman was at his brilliant best in 1979, when he was named PFA Player of the Year, and enjoyed a successful career in Italy after moving to Juventus in 1981. He later tried his hand at management but now runs the blossoming Arsenal Academy.

David Price: A right-sided midfielder who had a crucial part to play in the exciting finale even though he was not on the pitch. His late substitution for Steve Walford, with the score at 2-0, upset Arsenal's balance and helped United's late comeback. He is now a taxi driver in Croydon. Graham Rix: He went on to win 17 England caps but this was his only honour in 14 seasons with Arsenal. After finishing his career in France he went into coaching, enjoying notable success at Chelsea - a job interrupted by a 12-month jail term for having unlawful sex with a 15 year-old girl. Recently left Oxford where he was director of football. Virtual Replay: Arsenal's winner Alan Sunderland: The bubble-permed striker will forever be remembered for scoring one of Wembley's most famous FA Cup final goals. After his career he ran a pub in Ipswich and now lives in Malta where he used to manage local team Birkirkara FC. He will be working with the BBC at the 2005 final. Frank Stapleton: This was the second of the Irishman's five FA Cup final appearances - three for Arsenal and two for United.

He won it twice, once with each club, and scored in both wins. Tried his hand at management in the USA and now works as a pundit and in corporate hospitality. Steve Walford: The then 21-year-old was only ever a bit-part player in four seasons at Highbury and a second-half appearance at Wembley was the high point. Spells at Norwich and West Ham followed and he is now Martin O'Neill's right-hand man at Celtic. MANCHESTER UNITED Gary Bailey: The English-born South African-bred keeper was just 21 in 1979 but had time to get his hands on the FA Cup and duly did with Wembley wins in 1983 and 1995. He was forced to retire with a knee injury in 1987 after 373 appearances and is now a TV presenter in South Africa. Jimmy Nicholl: He won the FA Cup with United in 1977 but there was to be no second success. After Old Trafford the Northern Ireland international enjoyed stints with Glasgow Rangers, Sunderland and Toronto before returning north of the border where he is now assistant boss at Aberdeen.

Arthur Albiston: The Scottish full-back played in four FA Cup finals in 14 years with United and this was his only loss. He played in Sir Alex Ferguson's first game in charge before moving on to West Brom in 1988. Now works in the media and hosts tours of Old Trafford. BIRTHS & DEATHS - 1979 Sid Vicious (Sex Pistols) John Wayne (Actor) Gordon McQueen: A domineering centre-back who joined United from rivals Leeds for a British record transfer fee. He left in 1985 after 228 appearances and later took the helm at St Mirren and Airdrie and was reserve team manager at Middlesbrough under Bryan Robson. Now a pundit. Martin Buchan: The Scot lifted the FA Cup as the winning captain in 1977, but there was no repeat in 1979. Injuries finally caught up with him in 1984 and he retired after 445 games with United. He had a short spell as Burnley boss and now works for the Professional Footballers Association.

Steve Coppell: A knee injury he picked up playing for England in 1981 ultimately forced the flying winger to retire in 1983 at the age of 28. He has since embarked on a successful management career and just missed out on a place in this season's Championship play-offs with Reading. Sammy McIlroy: Scored United's equaliser with a superb solo goal that ultimately counted for nothing. Won 88 caps for Northern Ireland, who he later managed after steering Macclesfield into the Football League. He left Stockport by mutual consent in November. FOOTBALLING FIGURES - 1979 Forest set new transfer record Lou Macari: The Scotsman, whose full name is Luigi, made 373 appearances for United between 1972 and 1984, scoring 97 goals. Stepped into management in 1984 and enjoyed a good spell at Swindon, but had less success with West Ham, Celtic and Huddersfield. Mickey Thomas: Skilful Welsh winger who enjoyed a nomadic career.

Memorably helped Wrexham knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup in 1992 at the age of 37, but found himself in jail for passing counterfeit money to Wrexham trainees just over a year later. Now a pundit and works in corporate hospitality. Jimmy Greenhoff: His superb header against Liverpool in the semi-final had booked United's place at Wembley. Remembered as one of the best players not to win an England cap, the former Leeds and Stoke striker now lives in the Potteries in retirement. Joe Jordan: An aggressive striker who played in three World Cups for Scotland and also terrorised defences with Leeds and AC Milan and Verona in Serie A. Has since turned his hand to management with Bristol City, Hearts and Stoke and is now on Portsmouth's coaching staff.

Question: Who scored Arsenal's last minute winner in the 1979 FA Cup Final
Answer: Alan Sunderland